What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot properly regulate the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. It is typically caused by either a lack of the hormone insulin, or by the body’s inability to use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to process the sugars from the foods we eat and convert them into energy. When the body does not have enough insulin, or cannot use it properly, the sugar in the blood cannot be processed and the bloodstream becomes overloaded with sugar. This can cause serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision loss.
Who is at Risk for Diabetes?
Anyone can be at risk for developing diabetes, but certain factors increase the risk. These include being overweight or obese, having a family history of diabetes, having a sedentary lifestyle, being over the age of 45, smoking, and having high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Additionally, certain ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, are statistically more likely to develop diabetes.
Prediabetes
A person with prediabetes has blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. People with prediabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Prediabetes can usually be reversed with lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and increasing physical activity.
Diagnosing Diabetes
Diabetes is typically diagnosed through a simple blood test. A fasting blood glucose test measures the amount of glucose in the blood after a person has gone without eating or drinking for at least eight hours. A random blood glucose test measures the amount of glucose in the blood at any given time. If the results of either of these tests are higher than normal, the person may be diagnosed with diabetes.
Treating Diabetes
Treatment for diabetes typically involves lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and increasing physical activity, as well as taking medications. If a person’s diabetes is not well-controlled with lifestyle changes and medications, they may need to take insulin injections. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to process the sugars from the foods we eat and convert them into energy.
Preventing Diabetes
The best way to prevent diabetes is to maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, and be active. Eating healthy foods low in fat and sugar, and high in fiber, can help to keep blood sugar levels in check. Regular physical activity can help to reduce the risk of developing diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity, burning calories, and helping to maintain a healthy weight.
Complications of Diabetes
If diabetes is not managed properly, it can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision loss. Diabetes can also cause problems with pregnancy, such as an increased risk of birth defects and preterm labor. It is important to take steps to manage diabetes and prevent complications.
Living with Diabetes
Living with diabetes can be challenging, but there are many resources available to help people manage their condition. It is important to work with a doctor to create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and health needs. Additionally, talking to a dietitian or diabetes educator can help to ensure that you are eating a healthy diet and getting the support needed to stay on track.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to serious complications if not managed properly. While anyone can be at risk for diabetes, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce the risk, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular physical activity. If you have any concerns about your risk for diabetes, it is important to speak to your doctor.